Will Justin Fields first NFL start prove to be the beginning of an era?
From the moment the Bears drafted Justin Fields, there has never been a question of whether he would be the starting quarterback, just when and why?
Even that tiny bit of drama was excised Wednesday when Bears head coach Matt Nagy made an unexpected appearance in the media room at Halas Hall to reiterate that when healthy Andy Dalton is his starting quarterback. But Dalton will not be healthy and Fields will get his first start Sunday in Cleveland.
It has been clear from the jump that Dalton's veteran experience and an ill-advised promise more than his talent was how he held Fields off until now.
Based on that logic, it remains a mystery how Dalton can be such a strong choice over Fields, but Nick Foles, the "other vet" isn't even a consideration?
However, that says more about the multiple curiosities surrounding Nagy and general manager Ryan Pace than anything else.
While Nagy is only doing this now because Dalton is hurt, does he think the rookie's ready?
"Well, we'll see. We'll see how ready he is, and I think that's part of the evaluation process," Nagy said. "But I will say this, to his credit. He's gone above and beyond to show us what he's about - about his preparation, about his work ethic, about his care, about his ability on the football field.
"He's past where I thought he was going to be. He knows it's not going to be perfect, but he wants to try to make it as close to perfect as he can."
Even more important, does Fields think he's ready?
"I think I'm ready," he said. "I've been preparing for this moment for a long time."
The most impressive things about Fields obviously are his special arm talent and unique athleticism and speed for the position.
But a close second is his maturity, poise and the way the superstar, bonus baby has fit in and commanded respect from the veterans around him.
Consider how he feels about getting the job due to Dalton's injury in explaining that.
"Of course it (stinks) for it to happen like this, but I believe everything happens for a reason," Fields said. "So we might not know what that reason is now, but I guess we'll find out as time goes on."
Beyond giving him the right plays at the right time, what will Nagy do to help Fields with his first major test?
"I think the biggest thing we can help him with," Nagy said, "is the distraction part, making sure you take care of what you need to take care of, keep him insulated, and that's what we'll do and then go out and learn.
"In Cleveland, loud crowd, great football team, really good defense, on the road. It's going to be a great challenge for all of us."
What does Nagy think are the most important things for Fields to accomplish to make it a real challenge giving the job back to Dalton?
"The speed of the game slowing down so that he can see what's going on at that second level," Nagy said. "With the front seven, your eyes can start going down to the defensive line, the linebackers and not to the wide receivers.
"But the biggest thing is for him, really, just to be able to get in and out of that huddle, be able to try to see the different coverages and (the) defense's third level as much as he can."
As calm and stoic as Fields almost always appears, deep down what does this moment mean to him?
"Of course, if you told me seven, eight years ago that I'd be in this position," Fields said, "I probably wouldn't believe you, but I think, as time went along, I got more comfortable. I guess my goals kind of got bigger and bigger.
"Around this time last year, I had an idea that I could be in this position right now, so actually seeing myself in this position, being able to get the start on Sunday, it's amazing."
No matter how firmly Nagy states his position that Dalton is still the starter, many believe the veteran quarterback has started his last game for the Bears.
But the way this tale has unwound to date, I'd say it's wiser to wait and see what happens in Cleveland before being forced to make that bet,
@Hub_Arkush